Related Anatomy

The spine is divided into four regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacrum. The vertebrae of each region are uniquely shaped and when the spine is healthy and anatomical, the vertebrae perfectly align to form the spinal canal—a narrow opening that allows the spinal cord to travel from the brain to the lumbar and sacral region. As the cord travels down the canal, it branches out to supply the organs and muscles of the body with nervous system functions. The tiny openings through which the spinal cord nerve branches exit the spinal canal are called intervertebral foramen.

Causes of a Pinched Spinal Nerve

The term pinched nerve refers to a compression of one these nerves or never branches. The condition is most often caused by the following medical diseases/conditions:

The wear and tear of soft tissue and bone with age.

Spinal stenosis. The narrowing of the spinal canal.

Degenerative disc disease. The weakening of the intervertebral discs that facilitate movement and act as shock absorbers between adjacent vertebrae.

Herniated disc. The expulsion of an injured intervertebral disc into the spinal canal.

Vertebral fracture. The fracture of a portion of a vertebra.

Once one of our spine specialists has identified the cause of a pinched nerve, they can develop an effective treatment plan based on your unique lifestyle and the severity of your symptoms.

Symptoms and Treatment of a Pinched Nerve

The most common symptoms of a pinched nerve include localized pain in the neck or lower back and/or weakness, numbness or tingling in extremities. An effective treatment plan is one that significantly reduces or eliminates symptoms. The following are some commonly prescribed nonsurgical treatment options: